Lot
246 
Swan River, M.T., Nov 24. Manuscript postmark on cover to China, Me., franked with manuscript canceled 1851, 3¢ dull red; central cover stain well away from postmark and stamp, otherwise Very Fine, a rare Minnesota territorial postmark with less than five examples recorded. Scott No. 11A Estimate $250 - 350.
The post office at Swan River operated from June 7, 1851 to December 7, 1854.
Lot
247
Mississippi Territorial Mail Via Natchez Trace. Folded letter datelined "Richmond County, March the 23rd, 1808" (probably Virginia) and addressed to Adams County, Mississippi "By the Western Mail and left in Washington", manuscript "25" rate at top; some light cover staining at top, F.-V.F., an extremely rare westbound letter sent by the Natchez Trace. Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
The manuscript endorsement refers to the Natchez Trace was established by Congress on 1800 between Natchez & Nashville. The Trace followed Indian trails between these two cities with Washington, which was at that time the territorial capitol, only a short distance from Natchez. This is the only noted example with a Trace route marking. .
Lot
248
Natchez July 10th. Manuscript postmark with matching "25" rate on 1802 folded letter datelined "Louisiana Bayou Sarah July 5th 1802" to Washington county, Pa., lengthy 3-page letter from lawyer and leader of the Whiskey Rebellion David Bradford, letter regarding financial matters, mentions the pending Louisiana Purchase…It is said we are to be given over to the Republic of France. It is an old story - we know nothing about it with certainty. It is also said that your Republic is in treaty by way of purchase for our Possessions. We are in doubt, but we think we will still be happy; some slight corner wear, otherwise Very Fine, a significant letter from David Bradford, who fled to Spanish Louisiana after his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
Realized: $1,000
Lot
249
Natchez, Oct 21st (Mississippi Territory). Manuscript postmark with "Free" rating on folded letter datelined "Post Office Natchez, Oct 21st, 1803", to postmaster Genl. W. Johnston at Fort Vincennes (Indian territory) regarding land deals, manuscript "Rec'd & ans'd by mail the 25th Nov. 1803" docketing, Very Fine, an early usage from the Natchez post office, this letter was over a month enroute and most likely went mostly by river through very hostile Indian territories. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Lot
250
Pinckneyville Mt, Se 23. Straight line postmark on 1811 double rate folded circuit court letter to Nashville, Tenn., manuscript "Way 51" rate; slight cover edge wear and small tears, otherwise Very Fine, a very scarce Mississippi territorial usage. Estimate $300 - 400.
Realized: $725